Wrestling Triumphs in MAC Thriller

DeKALB, Ill.—The Eastern Michigan University wrestling team extended its winning streak to three here Friday evening, Feb. 6, as it battled its way to its first conference victory of the season, 18-16, over Northern Illinois University. The Eagles trailed, 16-15, heading into the final match until senior Josh Moulton (Grass Lake, Mich.-Napoleon) bested Bryan Deutsch in the 157 lb. bout to lead his team to victory. It was the Eagles' first victory against NIU since the 1996-97 season.

The Eagles (7-9; 1-2 MAC) have now won three of their last four matches while the Huskies (4-7; 0-3 MAC) remain winless in conference competition.

Redshirt sophomore Nick Hendrick (Columbiaville, Mich.-Powers Catholic) and Bryan O'Connor got the action started with the 165 lb. bout with O'Connor coming out on top, 3-1. The Huskies then went on to claim victory in the 174 lb. and 184 lb. matches, 6-3, and 7-4, respectively. At 174, redshirt freshman Tommy St. Louis (Neosho, Mo.-Neosho) was handed a loss while sophomore Derek Foore (Wadsworth, Ohio-Wadsworth) was also defeated in the 184 lb. bout.

Going into the 197 lb. match, the Green and White trailed, 9-0, until senior John McClure (Holland, Mich.-West Ottawa) provided his team a big four points thanks to a 14-5 major decision over Scott Penny. Trailing 5-0 midway thorough the second period, McClure quickly turned the tables and tallied 14 unanswered points, eight of which were earned by near falls.

Redshirt sophomore David Wade (Beavercreek, Ohio-Beavercreek) followed-up McClure's performance with a major decision of his own, 14-4, over Dakota Greenhaw in the heavyweight division. Greenhaw tied the score at two apiece to start-off the second period, but Wade would manage to hold his opponent to just two points through the rest of the match en route to the victory. Eastern was now behind by only one point, 9-8.

The Eagles continued their winning ways with two more victories at 125 and 133 by redshirt junior Chris Jenkins (Tecumseh, Mich.-Tecumseh) and redshirt junior Sean Clair (Turtlecreek, Pa.-Plum), respectively. Jenkins notched a third-consecutive major decision for EMU as he knocked-off Israel Montemayor, 13-5. Clair's bout against Tristen DeShazer proved to be a much closer affair, but the final result ended in a 5-3 decision for the visiting team.

With the Eagles in the lead, 15-9, Northern Illinois responded with two straight wins to put themselves back ahead. At 141, it was Patrick McLemore who got the best of redshirt junior David Pienaar (Trafford, Pa.-Greensburg Central Catholic), 10-2. The major decision was NIU's first and only of the match. Redshirt freshman J.J. Johnson (Rockford, Mich.-Rockford) was unable to keep his hot streak alive, as he dropped a 7-3 decision to Steve Zimmerman in the 149 lb. weight class.

The Huskies held a slight 16-15 advantage heading into the final bout. With the fate of the match resting on the shoulders of Moulton, he stepped onto the mat for the 157 lb. bout against Deutsch. Moulton recorded a three-point near fall and a reversal in the first frame to go ahead, 5-2. Deutsch would get to within one point, 5-4, in the closing minutes of the second period, but Moulton would not allow his opponent to come any closer, as he held on for a thrilling 9-6 victory. With that, the Eagles earned the road win, 18-16.

The Eagles now return to Bowen Field House for their last home dual meet of the season Sunday, Feb. 15, at 4 p.m. against Kent State University. The wrestling team will be competing alongside the gymnastics team in the second annual “Beauty and the Beast” event. Come out and support your Eagles as they continue their quest for a top seed in the MAC!

EMU 18, NIU 16
165: Bryan O'Connor (NIU) dec. Nick Hendrick (EMU), 3-1 NIU 3, EMU 0
174: Derrick Yant (NIU) dec. Tommy St. Louis (EMU), 6-3 NIU 6, EMU 0
184: Brad Dieckhaus (NIU) dec. Derek Foore (EMU), 7-4, NIU 9, EMU 0
197: John McClure (EMU) maj. dec. Scott Penny (NIU), 14-5, NIU 9, EMU 4
HWT: David Wade (EMU) maj. dec. Dakota Greenhaw (NIU), 14-4, NIU 9, EMU 8
125: Chris Jenkins (EMU) maj. dec. Israel Montemayor (NIU), 13-5, EMU 12, NIU 9
133: Sean Clair (EMU) dec. Tristen DeShazer (NIU), 5-3, EMU 15, NIU 9
141: Patrick McLemore (NIU) maj. dec. David Pienaar (EMU), 10-2, EMU 15, NIU 13
149: Steve Zimmerman (NIU) dec. J.J. Johnson (EMU), 7-3, NIU 16, EMU 15
157: Josh Moulton (EMU) dec. Bryan Deutsch (NIU), 9-6, EMU 18, NIU 16

Eastern Michigan Athletics

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